New entry-line models with attractive features / Price point for drying with A+++ reduced by € 500

At IFA, Miele is due to convert its entry-line washing machines to the current W1 platform. The W1 Classic is set to be more elegant, more convenient, faster and more versatile than its predecessors – whilst keeping prices unchanged. The perfect match is the T1 Classic heat-pump dryer with an A++ rating for energy efficiency. And, what's more, the entry-line price point for drying with A+++ at Miele is now only around € 1000.

Like their higher-priced counterparts, the new W1 Classic washing machine is fitted with the highly efficient ProfiEco motor, for an A+++ rating and cycles lasting less than 3 hours in the label programme. Depending on the model, the real value is around 10% below the value for A+++. For the first time on entry-line models, the still exclusive CapDosing feature is included, offering the capability to conveniently dispense special-purpose detergents or fabric conditioner in capsules in the detergent dispenser. The same applies on the T1 Classic to the fragrance dispenser on tumble dryers (FragranceDos).

The washing machine and tumble dryer with the model designation 'Classic' have long been characterised by their particularly clear and uncluttered fascia panels. 'To build on these strengths in a contemporary way, Miele has developed a new user interface exclusively for the W1/T1 Classic entitled DirectSensor', explains Dr Olaf Dietrich, Head of Laundry Care at Miele's Domestic Appliances International division. All washing and drying programmes and the 'On/Off' function are activated using a rotary selector switch. As the On/Off button has now been discontinued together with the electrically operated door, more space has been created for a larger typeset on the fascia, and still, the fascia appears less cluttered and more concise than on previous models.

To the left of the rotary selector, a large display window shows for example the temperature, spin speed and programme options such as Pre-Wash or Short. Required settings can be selected directly by simply tapping on the display. On this context-sensitive display, only options which make sense in the selected programme are backlit.

Depending on the model, the Classic W1/T1 washers and dryers have a load capacity of 7 or 8 kg of laundry. Delay-start and countdown features also belong to the standard specifications. The same applies to the two additional programmes 'Outdoor' and 'Reproofing' which allow firstly reproofing agent to be applied in the washing machine and then conditioned in the drying programme. Naturally, the Classic models, like all other washing machines and tumble dryers from Miele, are tested to last 20 years*.

Dryers with A+++ at new starting price

The energy efficiency rating is a key purchasing criterion on heat-pump dryers – and that is why Miele is now offering the best possible A+++ rating to coincide with the IFA trade show in the important price bracket around € 1000. This corresponds to a reduction in the entry-line price for A+++ drying at Miele of around € 500 or almost one third.

For consumers, actual consumption in daily use is just as important as the value on the energy label. Important in this respect is protecting the heat exchanger from a build-up of lint. The more fluff accumulates, the longer the appliance needs to dry and the more energy is used in the process. To prevent this, Miele relies on all T1 models on a combination of a highly effective and easy-to-clean filter system with a maintenance-free heat exchanger (EcoDry technology). Dietrich: 'This system ensures that fluff does not get into the heat exchanger in the first place and affords such effective protection that low consumption values remain constant over the entire life of the product'.

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*Calculation based on 10,000 and 7500 operating hours on the washing machine and tumble dryer respectively (approx. 5 cycles per week)

Company profile: Miele is the world's leading manufacturer of premium domestic appliances including cooking, baking and steam-cooking appliances, refrigeration products, coffee makers, dishwashers and laundry and floor care products. This line-up is augmented by dishwashers, washer-extractors and tumble dryers for commercial use as well as washer-disinfectors and sterilisers for use in medical and laboratory applications (Miele Professional). The Miele company, founded in 1899, has 8 production plants in Germany as well as one plant each in Austria, the Czech Republic, China and Romania. 2015/16 turnover amounted to approx. EUR 3.71 bn with sales outside Germany accounting for around 70%. Miele is represented with its own sales subsidiaries and via importers in almost 100 countries. The Miele company, now in the fourth generation of family ownership, employs a workforce of around 18,400, 10,300 thereof in Germany. The company headquarters are located in Gütersloh/Westphalia, Germany.